Top 20 Albums of 2013 (20-11)

As 2013 draws to a close, it’s time to look at the best Albums from the year gone by. It’s quite an eclectic list; from the much-hyped to the surprise releases, to the over-achievers, one things for sure- 2013 was a fantastic year for new music.

20-Tom Odell ‘Long Way Down’– Despite disappointing sales, the first male BRITs critics’ choice winner created an album staying true to his piano playing roots. Beautiful, raw vocals, and a generally laid-back vibe on the orchestral tracks have seen him criticised for being dull but many will appreciate his acoustics.

19-Eminem ‘Marshall Mathers Part 2’– “Aside from the questionable guest stars and derogatory comments – Eminem is brooding, in form and the rest should start taking notes again.”

18-Kanye ‘Yeezus’-always courts controversy, but ‘Yeezus’ shows a darker, rockier side to the rapper, perhaps some of his most honest work to date. His claims at being a God still remain disputed.

17- Janelle Monae ‘The Electric Lady’ -This R&B princess has created a brilliant album “executed with the poise and self-assurance of someone who deserves to have had a helluva lot more success than they have achieved by this point. Fingers crossed all that changes with The Electric Lady – an album that clearly demonstrates she’s ready to join the big league.”

16-MS MR ‘Secondhand Rapture’ – The long-awaited debut LP from this pair creates “realistic lyrics of love, despair and heartbreak with otherworldly melodies and flamboyant production.” Ones to watch in the future.

15- The 1975 ‘The 1975’– Chock full of catchy songs like ‘Chocolate’ and ‘Sex’, this shows great potential form the indie group, and are one to watch with future releases.

14-Daft Punk ‘Random Access Memories’– ”It’s exhausting, but given the gems that offset them elsewhere, you can’t help but feel they know exactly what they’re doing – even if you’re not entirely sure why they’re doing it. Random Access Memories is a truly bold and daring record that is thrilling, mind-blowing and, at times, a touch frustrating. But then again, changing the face of music wasn’t going to come without its challenges.”

13-Jay Z ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’– How do you top the Kanye collab ‘Watch The Throne?’ its difficult to do but Jay Z’s references to art and humanitarian issues on this track show he may be starting to act his age and these 16 tracks show he can stretch out, philosophise, and remind us he’s the pre-eminent rap megastar of the day.

12- Chvrches ‘The Bones of what you Believe’– Electro beats with pitchy lead vocals, an eclectic album that you can find something from any mood. Great live act. “It’s very rare that an album can hold firm consistency throughout, but it’s even rarer that it happens on a debut record. Let it be known that 2013 is a golden year for new music, and Chvrches are far and away leading the pack.”

11-Rudimental ‘Home’– “But don’t be fooled, for Rudimental are much more than a group of producers and writers with the ability to turn out trendy club bangers. Their debut album Home veers into rap on the Angel Haze-assisted ‘Hell Could Freeze’ and ’90s-inspired ambience on ‘Spoons’, which comes with the aid of trendy up ‘n’ comer MNEK’s rich and timeless vocal.”